Kia Asia Pacific has revved up its presence in Malaysia with the grand opening of the Kia Asia Pacific Training Centre in Glenmarie, Shah Alam today. This marks Kia’s fifth global training hub, following those in Germany, Russia, UAE, and the USA. This expansion in Kuala Lumpur, which serves as the regional headquarters for Kia Asia Pacific, underscores the organisation’s steadfast confidence in Malaysia as a pivotal hub in the Asia Pacific region.
The new Centre is poised to lead the way in fostering a culture of innovation and exemplary service throughout the APAC region. The Centre will also embellish subsidiaries and distributors’ operational staff, sales and aftersales with Automotive Training Excellence, equipping them with all-encompassing skills and knowledge crucial to the evolving automotive industry.
Kevin Ahn, President and CEO of Kia Asia Pacific, said, “The opening of our Kia APAC Training Centre aligns with our company’s philosophy of fostering a customer-centric and people-focused culture. This training centre represents our commitment to continuous improvements, ensuring we deliver top-quality service that exceeds customer expectations.”
“Malaysia was selected out of our 34 markets in APAC for its strategic location, allowing us to meet the evolving needs of the industry while keeping our teams at the forefront of technological advancements. Malaysia’s diverse talent pool and strong language proficiency further affirm it as the ideal choice for our training hub,” he added.
The Training Centre offers a range of advanced facilities. This includes high-tech display classrooms for theoretical teaching, full-fledged workshops for practical sessions, a computerised resource centre for Kia vehicle information, virtual repair simulators, and specialised tools such as Kia diagnostic equipment. The latest Kia flagship models including EV6 and EV9, and upcoming models such as EV5 and EV3 are also available for hands-on training.
The Training Centre, which has a footprint of over 10,000 square feet, has a total investment value of RM3 million. Its advanced facilities and training methodologies mirror the global standards set by its parent company, Hyundai Motor Group. Located next to the Training Centre is the Kia 3S Flagship Centre, providing trainees with direct exposure to real-world scenarios to enhance their learning experience. Upon completion of the training programmes, participants will receive certification from Kia Asia Pacific, validating their skills and expertise within Kia’s global networks.
The Training Centre can accommodate up to 80 trainees at any given time, ensuring an optimal learning environment with personalised attention and interactive experiences are provided to the trainees. The automotive brand aims to train up to 3,000 people annually to support all 34 countries within the Asia Pacific region.
The opening of the Kia Asia Pacific Training Centre marks a significant milestone in Kia’s expansion within the region, underscoring its dedication to continuous growth and development. This state-of-the-art facility is set to elevate automotive expertise and innovation, fostering a new generation of skilled professionals who will contribute to Kia’s success in APAC. With Malaysia now a key player in Kia’s global training network, the brand is well-positioned to deliver exceptional service and value to its customers.
